Therapeutic Education Center Paraprofessional

Primary Purpose:

Assist the special education teacher to provide students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them make progress toward academic, emotional, physical and social growth. Assist in implementation of student’s individual education plans and specifically with behavior management. Work as a team member in the assigned self-contained classroom.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or GED

Two years of study at an institution of higher education totally 48 hours or an Associate’s Degree

Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate

Certified Nurses Assistant (preferred)

CPI Advanced Skills Certification - or ability to acquire within 30 days of hire

Experience:

Prior experience supporting behavior/self-contained classroom preferred

Experience in working with students who can present behavioral needs/challenges

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

• Assist teacher with preparing instructional materials
• Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom
• Assist with documentation of IEP progress
• Maintain continuous / constant supervision of students individually and in small groups when student(s) are in crisis and demonstrating highly unsafe behaviors in accordance with administrator and ARDC crisis management plans
• Implementation of proactive instructional and behavioral strategies / techniques to create a safe and nurturing environment for students, especially when they are in crisis
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers

Student Management

• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including medical needs and personal hygiene as required
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communication and behavioral needs
• Work with individual students and small groups to develop academic, fine and gross motor and self-help skills
• Supervise students inside and outside of the classroom
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students
• Assist student with behavioral needs, which includes crisis situations and use of restraint as dictated by law

Other

• Maintain confidentiality
• Maintain professional communication at all times
• Participate in professional development as directed
• The employ is expected to adhere to district employee/department/campus handbooks, board policies, FISD procedures, the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics and all applicable laws
• Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds if supporting a lift with training provided)
• Environment: Works in a school/office setting; occasional work outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather) to travel between buildings/districts or in the preparation/completion of meetings; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions. Exposure to students with significant verbal and physical aggression.
• Physical Demands: Ability to implement protocol and provide physical support and/or physically engage in an immediate student crisis when required

Duty Hours are 8.0 hours per day exclusive of lunch.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

I have read and understand the responsibilities and duties required for this position as outlined above.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.29 - $25.82 per hour

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Special education school

Experience:

• Special education: 1 year (Preferred)
• Public Education: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $26